St. Patrick’s Day 2018: The best Irish bars in the Alps

Going on a ski holiday this weekend? Just because you’ll be spending March 17 far from the Emerald Isle, there’s no reason you should have to forgo the St. Paddy’s Day craic. From France to Austria, many of the biggest ski resorts in the Alps go all-out for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. In honour of this Irish holiday, the Guinness will be flowing and bars will be stuffed to the brim with leprechaun hats and crowds of drunken skiers and snowboarders. There are loads of choices but here are our favourite six places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Alps this year. Pick your party and don’t forget to wear green!

O'Sullivan's, Méribel

Méribel has got your St. Paddy’s day all planned out for you: Start off at the Rond Point Meribel, move on to The Brewer’s Den, and finish the night at Club Méribel and O’Sullivan’s, serving 2-for-1 Guinness all night long.

Le Pub Irlandais, Les Gets

The Pub Irlandais is actually a micro-brewery, located in the heart of Les Gets on the main road just a few steps away from the bottom of the Chavannes gondola. Starting from 2pm, party it up Irish-style among lurid green decorations and a good chance of live music.

The theme is green at Le Pub Irlandais on St. Paddy's Day

Mont Saxonnex, Savoie Mont-Blanc

Mont Saxonnex in Savoie-Mont Blanc will throw a “Bal de la Saint Patrick”, starting with a dance workshop at 4pm and continuing on with live music and dancing throughout the evening.

O’Flannigan’s, Kitzbühel

O'Flannigan's is first and foremost a sports bar, with 5 big screens showing all the matches. This bar in Kitzbühel goes all out for St. Paddy’s day, with live Irish bands and as much green beer as you could ever want.

La Folie Douce, Val d'Isère

Iconic La Folie Douce at Val d'Isère is one of the most renowned après-ski establishments in the French Alps. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the slopes starting with Irish dancing at noon and electronic music from 3pm. The official after-party takes place at the Café Face starting at 5pm.

O'Sharkey's, Alpe d'Huez

With Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, O’Sharkey’s prides itself on being THE irish bar at Alpe d’Huez. The pub opens at 4pm so you can start drinking early and party into the wee hours, with live music throughout the evening. Keep an eye out in general for green beers being served piste-side at Alpe d'Huez!

Special mention: The Harp, Soldeu

While not strictly in the Alps per se, Soldeu's The Harp is beloved by international crowds in search of good craic and a well-poured pint. Live music twice a day, friendly bar staff and epic St. Patrick's Day parties round out the offering. Thanks for the tip, Steve WebStir!

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Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!